Tech Hosts Workshop On Oil Field Earthquakes

SOCORRO, N.M. July 30, 2014 – New Mexico Tech is hosting a workshop that will address the relationship between petroleum drilling and earthquakes, or “induced seismicity.”

The event will feature a series of guest speakers and will be Thursday, August 21, in the third floor ballrooms of the Fidel Center on campus in Socorro.

Over the past few decades, scientists have been examining the relationship between unconventional oil production – specifically hydraulic fracturing (or fracking), saline water disposal – and the increasing number of small to moderate earthquakes in the surrounding areas. Several studies have examined the timing and location of seismic activity in Arkansas, Ohio, New Mexico and other states.

“A growing number of Earth scientists are looking at the relationship between oil exploration and seismic activity,” said Dr. Van Romero, Vice President of Research at New Mexico Tech. “With this workshop, we hope to place New Mexico Tech researchers at the forefront of the discussions about the topic.”

Romero will open the day-long event with a welcome to all participants. Hydrology professor Dr. Mark Person of New Mexico Tech is coordinating the event.

He said, “This is becoming a more important topic in recent years since the advent of horizontal drilling, coupled with fracking. If we can get a firm handle on the mechanisms of induced seismicity, hopefully we can also make these practices safer.”